Detroit show: GAC to debut GS4

CHINESE car-maker GAC Motor has released more images of its new sporty GS4 compact SUV ahead of its debut at the Detroit motor show – a move it said announces it readiness to compete on the world stage.

With its coupe styling, rising beltline, muscular wheel arches, clamshell bonnet and floating roof that tapers down to meet a short rear window, the GS4 strongly resembles the Range Rover Evoque.

GAC calls it a “high-performance” SUV but with a choice of 1.3- and 1.5-litre turbocharged engines it is unlikely to be as dynamically capable as BMW’s X4 or the Audi SQ5.

GAC Motor general manager Wu Song said the GS4’s premier at the Detroit motor show meant the car-maker’s products were ready to take on the big players in the global auto market.

“The debut of GS4 at the North American International Auto Show will mark a milestone in GAC Motor’s history because it shows that our products have met the international standards,” he said.

While the GS4 is expected to go on sale this year in China, South America and the Middle East where it already has a brand presence, GAC said in a press release that it is also “planning a foray into the North American and European markets”.

Ateco Automotive specialises in importing and distributing Chinese vehicles in Australia and has the franchise rights to Great Wall, Chery, Foton and LDV.

GAC is currently not sold here, but Ateco Automotive public affairs consultant David Cotterill said that while there are no plans to bring the car into the country, the auto-maker’s progress is being observed along with other Chinese brands.

“They’re not currently on our radar,” he said.

“But we’d certainly be very interested to look at any right-hand drive products they might have.”

The GS4 will be joined on the GAC stand in Detroit by the brand’s Witstar and GA6 GT concept electric vehicles.

This will be GAC’s second appearance at the North American show, with the car-maker first attending the event in 2013 when it debuted its E-jet concept.